A former state trooper, Thomas Mascia, found himself in serious trouble after faking his own shooting to win back his ex-girlfriend’s attention. Sources indicate that this desperate act was all about gaining sympathy, as Mascia allegedly asked to be taken to the hospital where she worked.
According to Nassau County prosecutors, the incident on October 30, 2024, followed a breakup that had left Mascia determined to impress her again. Initially, police reports suggested that a man shot himself in the leg during a traffic stop on Southern State Parkway and then fled the scene.
Once first responders reached the location, Mascia requested to be transported to a specific hospital on Long Island, where he had connections. It turned out to be a poorly executed scheme aimed at rekindling his relationship. However, it soon unraveled, leading to significant consequences: Mascia lost his job, his relationship, and, ultimately, his freedom.
The former officer pleaded guilty on Wednesday to charges of official misconduct and tampering with evidence, resulting in a six-month prison sentence. He also faced a protection order following his sentencing.
“People began to rally behind you,” said Nassau County Judge Robert Bogle during the sentencing session, criticizing Mascia for committing fraud and engaging in reckless actions. “You clearly violated the trust placed in you by the state of New York.”
Prosecutor Anne Donnelly revealed that Mascia had even conducted some online searches to find the safest spots to get shot. On the night of the event, he went as far as dropping shell casings along the parkway to lend some authenticity to his fabricated story, which initially tricked many into believing he was a victim.
This fake shooting incident sparked major manhunts across the New York metropolitan area as law enforcement sought for the supposed gunman who had harmed an officer—a search that continued until the authorities realized the truth.
Mascia ultimately resigned in disgrace on January 24 and faced indictment. He agreed to a plea deal in May and received his sentence, which included a hefty restitution of $289,511.
His attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, attributed Mascia’s actions to longstanding, untreated mental health issues. “He’s now undergoing mental health treatment and deeply regrets the pain he’s caused,” Lichtman stated on Thursday.
At this time, Mascia’s ex-girlfriend, who has chosen to remain unnamed, has not commented on the situation.
